All-Inclusive Private Charter to Icacos or Palomino Islands

The best part of this Fajardo charter is control. You get a private boat for up to six people, then choose Icacos or Palomino, decide how long to snorkel, and settle into beach time without sharing the day with a large catamaran crowd. I like the guided snorkeling, and I like that the crew brings fruit, sandwiches, snacks, drinks, noodles, and sometimes a beach umbrella.

I also like the flexible feel. Captains and mates such as Jon, Adriana, Syd, Lolo, and John are praised for helping families, setting a relaxed pace, and pointing out marine life. The main consideration is simple: four hours goes quickly, and weather or sea conditions can affect the plan.

What makes this charter worth considering

• A genuinely private outing: Your group alone participates, with space for up to six people.
• Two useful departure times: Choose 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Snorkeling and beach time in one trip: The crew takes you to a snorkeling area, then moves near your selected island.
• Helpful crew interaction: Jon, Adriana, Syd, Lolo, John, Angel, and others are praised for safety help, marine-life information, and friendly service.
• Food and drinks are built in: Fruit, ham-and-cheese sandwiches, snacks, water, juice, Pepsi, 7UP, Medalla beer, and rum are listed.
• Good for families and small groups: Floating mats and noodles help make the beach stop easier for children and less confident swimmers.

From Sunbay Marina to the islands

You begin at Sunbay Marina in Fajardo, at Parcelas Beltran Barrio. The activity returns you to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the coast.

The boat ride is part of the appeal, but the real value comes from having your own small group aboard. A private charter lets you talk with the captain about the pace instead of following a fixed schedule designed for dozens of people. That matters if one person wants more snorkeling, another wants quiet swimming, and someone else mainly wants a seat, a cold drink, and a good view.

The two departure windows are practical. The morning trip runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The afternoon trip runs from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The morning slot leaves the rest of your day open, while the afternoon slot may suit you better if you want a slower start or have another morning plan.

The boat ride can be smooth and relaxed, but you are still heading out on open water. I would keep your schedule flexible after the charter, especially if your group dislikes rushing. The trip is four hours in total, including the ride, snorkeling, beach time, and eating.

Choosing Icacos or Palomino

You can choose Cayo Icacos or Isla Palominos. The basic pattern is similar for both: the crew takes you to a good snorkeling location, provides equipment and guidance, then moves near the island so you can swim and enjoy the beach.

Icacos appears to be the more frequently selected option in the available trip details. It is associated with white sand, clear water, reef snorkeling, and a relaxed stop on or near the island. Groups have used their time there to swim, eat, listen to music, and float with noodles or a mat.

Palomino offers the same broad format, with snorkeling followed by island beach time. The choice may come down to availability, sea conditions, or what your captain recommends on the day. Since the operator says the best snorkeling spot depends on the island selected, you should ask about the current water conditions when you book or arrive.

The route information also names El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan and the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. These are part of the surrounding Fajardo area connected with the charter route. The main purpose of this tour, though, is not a land visit to those places. You are booking time on the water, with snorkeling and beach stops as the focus.

Snorkeling with real help

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the experience includes a guided snorkeling portion. That is more useful than simply having masks and fins dropped on the deck. A proper refresher can make a big difference if you have not snorkeled recently or if a child feels nervous in the water.

One family described Syd patiently helping a scared nine-year-old. Another account described Lolo giving a refresher on using the equipment and safely guiding the group along the coral. Those details point to an important strength of this charter: you can ask for help without turning the whole outing into a formal lesson.

The marine life can vary. Sightings described on different trips include many fish, sea turtles, lobsters, a manatee, and even dolphins. None of these should be treated as guaranteed. Sea conditions, visibility, and luck matter. One snorkeling stop lasted about 30 minutes for a group, while other groups chose to spend more of their four hours swimming and relaxing.

The water activities are not the only reason to book. If your group includes people who prefer not to snorkel, the private format gives them room to enjoy the boat, snacks, music, or beach without feeling they are holding up strangers.

Beach time on Icacos or Palomino

After snorkeling, the boat moves near your selected island for beach time. This is where the private setup becomes especially useful. Your group can settle into the pace that suits you rather than being pushed through a rigid sequence of stops.

The beaches are described as white sand with clear water. You can swim, relax, use floating noodles, or enjoy snacks and drinks. Some groups chose to stay at Icacos for the rest of the outing because they were having such a good time. That flexibility is a real benefit, though it also means you should not expect a long list of separate attractions in four hours.

The operator may provide a beach umbrella, noodles, and a floating mat. These extras are especially handy for families. They give children something to do beyond snorkeling and give adults an easy way to rest in the water.

Do not expect a resort beach with every facility at hand. The appeal is a simple island stop, not a polished beach club. Pack only what you need, protect your phone and camera from water, and listen to the crew about where to place belongings.

Food, drinks, and the all-inclusive promise

The included food is straightforward and practical. You get fruit, ham-and-cheese sandwiches, snacks, and beverages such as water, juice, Pepsi, and 7UP. This is enough to keep a half-day outing comfortable, especially when swimming makes everyone hungry.

The inclusion list also names alcoholic drinks: a case of Medalla beer and rum. The general tour description emphasizes non-alcoholic drinks, so I would confirm the current alcohol arrangement when booking if it matters to your group. Do not assume every drink is available in every circumstance.

The food is not the main reason to choose this tour, but it adds value. You do not need to stop your beach time to find lunch, and the crew can keep refreshments coming while you enjoy the water. One group specifically liked the sandwiches, snacks, fruit, and drinks, while another praised the drinks and the overall supply of beach items.

If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, ask before departure. The listed sandwiches are ham and cheese, and no alternate menu is provided in the tour details.

The crew sets the tone

A private charter is only as good as the people running it. Here, the crew is a major part of the experience. Names that come up repeatedly include Jon, John, Adriana, Syd or SydMarie, Lolo, Angel, Jamil, Justin, Bradley, Red, and Ale.

The strongest pattern is attentive service. Captains and mates are praised for checking on guests, explaining safety measures, helping with snorkeling equipment, keeping the boat stocked, and adjusting the pace. Several groups also appreciated being able to choose music.

That does not mean every crew member will have the same personality or that the day will feel identical. It does mean the company has a strong record of putting effort into the personal side of a private trip. You can help the day go well by telling the crew what your group wants early: more snorkeling, more beach time, a slower pace, or help with children.

The crew also handles the practical side of the water. One group described a stop to help a stranded couple. That was not a planned attraction, but it shows the kind of unexpected event that can shape a boat outing.

Who gets the best value for $750?

The listed price is $750 per group, with up to six people. At maximum capacity, that works out to $125 per person. For a couple or a group of three, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are paying for privacy rather than simply buying a seat on a shared boat.

For six people, the value is strong if you care about space, control, and personal service. A larger shared boat may cost less per person, but you will likely have less say over the schedule and less one-on-one help in the water. The private charter is also a better fit if your group wants to avoid a crowded party boat.

For a family, the cost can make sense because food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and beach items are included. You are not building the price one add-on at a time. The value is strongest when your group uses the flexibility: snorkeling for some, swimming for others, and an easy beach stop for everyone.

I would think twice if your main goal is a full-day island trip. This is a half-day outing, and four hours includes everything from marina departure to return. It is also less attractive if you dislike boats, want a long land-based beach stay, or expect a wide range of formal sightseeing stops.

Timing, weather, and practical details

Confirmation is provided at booking. The activity starts and ends at Sunbay Marina, and the tour is private, with only your group participating. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

I would arrive ready for the water and keep valuables limited. The tour details do not specify changing rooms, lockers, or a separate luggage service, so ask the operator about anything you need to store. The same applies to special food requests and alcohol.

The experience is suitable for most participants, but water activities always require honest judgment. Tell the crew if a child is nervous, if someone needs extra snorkeling help, or if anyone in the group prefers to stay close to the boat.

Is this private island charter right for you?

I would book this tour if you have up to six people and want a personal half-day on the water rather than a large shared excursion. The strongest reasons are the private boat, flexible pacing, guided snorkeling, useful food and drink supply, and crew members who appear comfortable working with families and mixed ability levels.

I would choose the morning departure if you want the rest of the day free. I would choose the afternoon departure if your group prefers a later start. For the island choice, ask about conditions and the best snorkeling area that day.

The price is easiest to justify with six people. With fewer guests, compare it with shared tours carefully. Book it for privacy, attention, and control, not for a long list of historic sights. If that sounds like your ideal Puerto Rico water day, this charter offers a practical and pleasant way to reach Icacos or Palomino without giving up your group’s freedom.

FAQ

How long is the private charter?

The charter lasts approximately four hours.

What departure times are available?

You can choose 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins and ends at Sunbay Marina, Parcelas Beltran Barrio, Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

Can I choose between Icacos and Palomino?

Yes. The experience offers a charter to either Cayo Icacos or Isla Palominos.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a guided snorkeling tour are included.

What food and drinks are provided?

The included items are fruit, ham-and-cheese sandwiches, snacks, water, juice, Pepsi, and 7UP. The inclusion details also list Medalla beer and rum.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.